Defensive end Jason Jones is one of several new additions who should help the Detroit Lions this year.Associated Press

Minnesota
Detroit will get an early crack at ending its seven-game losing streak in the NFC North, but must find a way to slow Adrian Peterson to do it. The tailback rushed for 120 yards the last time these teams played -- in just the fourth quarter. A quietly improved defense will be up for the task.Prediction: Lions 27, Vikings 24

@ Arizona
Detroit hasn't won a road game against the Arizona Cardinals since they were called the Phoenix Cardinals. The Lions have lost their past six in Arizona, dating to 1993. It should be closer this time around, but the Cardinals' defense is imposing enough to handcuff Matthew Stafford.Prediction: Cardinals 17, Lions 13

@ Washington
The Lions' worst winning percentage against any team? Who are the Washington Redskins, Alex. Detroit is just 4-22 in the series, and this year won't help. QB Robert Griffin III could be coated in bubble wrap and still be too much for the Lions.Prediction: Redskins 31, Lions 24

Chicago
The Bears took measures this offseason to fortify their offensive line, adding left tackle Jermon Bushrod and left guard Matt Slauson in free agency and using their first-round pick on guard Kyle Long to bolster the interior. Won't be enough to slow the NFL's best defensive line, though.Prediction: Lions 28, Bears 27

@ Green Bay
The Lions haven't won in Green Bay in 21 tries, and Aaron Rodgers is too damn good for that to end, even with left tackle Brian Bulaga out for the year.Prediction: Packers 34, Lions 20

@ Cleveland
Detroit was embarrassed in Cleveland during the preseason, in just about every facet of the game really. And everyone knows the preseason dictates regular-season results. The Lions have no shot. I'm being totally serious. Totally.Prediction: Lions 31, Browns 17

Bengals
Cincinnati is going to be good this year, and good in ways that will exploit the Lions. DT Geno Atkins just received a monster raise this week because he chews up offensive linemen -- and Detroit's offensive line will be a weakness. Toss in the Bengals' flourishing offensive attack, and the Lions will lose their first home game.Prediction: Bengals 38, Lions 28

Cowboys
This one should provide even better fireworks, with the Cowboys in town for the first time since 2007. It'll be a matchup of two of the game's most electrifying receivers in Calvin Johnson and Dez Bryant. Two equal teams, so Lions get the edge at home.Prediction: Lions 27, Cowboys 21

@ Chicago
Points could be at a premium, considering the usual temperatures and winds for a November game at Soldier Field, and Chicago's defense is far better. That front four is a formidable test for Detroit's reworked offensive line. (41 sacks last year.)Prediction: Bears 20, Lions 13

@ Pittsburgh
You thought the Lions' losing streak in Green Bay was bad? Well, you're right, but the've also lost all eight games ever played in Pittsburgh. The Steelers are no longer an indomitable force, but they're deep enough to hold off Detroit. And fans should recognize a few of the names doing the damage: Larry Foote, LaMarr Woodley and Zoltan Mesko played at Michigan, while Le'Veon Bell and Plaxico Burress played at Michigan State and Antonio Brown at Central Michigan.Prediction: Steelers 24, Lions 21

Tampa Bay
Reggie Bush will get a stiff test against the NFL's reigning No. 1 rush defense. Good thing for Detroit that the Bucs don't also defend the pass well, ranking dead last. Have you met Calvin Johnson?Prediction: Lions 30, Buccaneers 17

Green Bay
Detroit has lost four of its past five games against the Packers on Thanksgiving, and its past three in a row. The Lions really ought to go light on the stuffing during the holidays.Prediction: Packers 38, Lions 27

@ Philadelphia
Hard to predict what Chip Kelly's first pro team will look like in Week 1, let alone in Week 14. But one thing that's easier to predict: Michael Vick's health. Hard to believe the 33-year-old who makes a living with his legs will still be 100 percent when Detroit travels to town.Prediction: Lions 21, Philadelphia 20

Baltimore
The last time the Lions hosted a Monday night game, in 2011 against the Bears, they forced nine false-start penalties. Nine! With the Super Bowl champions in town for another prime-time show, expect Ford Field to be buzzin'.Prediction: Lions 23, Baltimore 20

N.Y. Giants
QB Eli Manning is 2-0 in his career against Detroit, completing 70 percent of his passes for 460 yards, three touchdowns and no picks. Detroit's pass defense was upgraded this offseason, with the emergence of rookie corner Darius Slay and signing of safety Glover Quin, plus an even deeper front. But Manning is still gonna Manning.Prediction: Giants 34, Lions 28

@ Minnesota
With the postseason off the table, Detroit won't have much fizz left by this point. But the Vikings will be out of the hunt too, which makes this one a crapshoot. Rock, paper, scissors ...Prediction: Vikings 24, Lions 23

Total: 7-9

Justin Rogers' picksvs. Minnesota
The crowd noise and Detroit's defensive line force a couple early turnovers as the Lions cruise to a surprisingly easy win over a division rival. Prediction: Lions 27, Vikings 17

@ Arizona
Even though the Lions have more talent, there's something about traveling to Arizona Detroit can't overcome. Quarterback Carson Palmer has an efficient day extending the Lions' road losing streak to seven against the Cardinals. Prediction: Cardinals 24, Lions 21

@ Washington
At least the Lions have won in Arizona. Detroit is winless in 21 trips to the nation's capital. Whether Robert Griffin III is capable of scrambling or has be a pocket passer to protect his ACL, the Redskins will have enough firepower to get the win.Prediction: Redskins 31, Lions 20

vs. Chicago
Matt Forte is going to put up big numbers in Marc Trestman's offense, but the Lions will be able to counter-punch and improve to 2-0 against the division at Ford Field. Prediction: Lions 27, Bears 24

@ Green Bay
Detroit likely escapes bad weather with this early October meeting, but there's no reason to predict a win in Green Bay other than the Lions are due. Prediction: Packers 26, Lions 24

@ Cleveland
The Browns are going to be better this year and Josh Gordon is going to give Detroit's secondary fits, but the Lions' defense will clamp down when it matters, giving the team its first road win of the season. Prediction: Lions 21, Browns 20

vs. Cincinnati
The Bengals are good and some national analysts are calling them Super Bowl contenders. Their defensive line will be too much for Detroit to handle and quarterback Andy Dalton will protect the football to lead Cincinnati to victory.Prediction: Bengals 20, Lions 16

vs. Dallas
This game has all the makings of a shootout and superstar wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Dez Bryant will lead the charge. Ultimately, I see Detroit escaping with a narrow victory over America's team. Prediction: Lions 34, Cowboys 31

@ Chicago
Chicago is likely to be cold and windy in early November and that's bad news for a dome team that relies on its passing attack to put points on the board. Detroit's defense will keep the game close, just like last year, but the Lions will come up a little short. Prediction: Bears 17, Lions 16

@ Pittsburgh
Just like Chicago, the weather in Pittsburgh will hinder Detroit's ability to be effective on offense. Plus, the Lions haven't won a road game against the Steelers since 1955. Prediction: Steelers 16, Lions 13

vs. Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers' secondary is much improved with the additions of Darrelle Revis and Dashon Goldson, so Reggie Bush will be the key to victory in this one. Prediction: Lions 26, Bucs 20

vs. Green Bay
The Lions should win this game. Should. But Detroit often seems to shoot itself in the foot against the Packers. Prediction: Packers 31, Lions 27

@ Philadelphia
Who knows how Chip Kelly's offense will look in the NFL or if Michael Vick will still be the starting quarterback at this point in the season, but the Eagles will struggle to match up with Detroit's offense weapons. Prediction: Lions 24, Eagles 17

vs. Baltimore
With playoff hopes on life support, the Lions will put on a show for the home crowd and national television audience, upending the defending Super Bowl champions. Prediction: Lions 27, Ravens 17

@ Minnesota
With the life sucked out of them from the loss to the Giants, the Lions will get off to a sluggish start at the Metrodome. Adrian Peterson will go from 150 yards and two scores in the victory. Detroit will put a late touchdown on the board to make the game look closer than it was. Prediction: Vikings 20, Lions 17